The 10 most expensive Bulgarian coins and why they cost so much
From the 1894 100 leva to the “Golden Apple” – the ranking by current listings and the reasons behind each price
BulgarianCoins editorial team 4 min read
Rankings of the “most expensive coins” are usually based on record sales at major auctions. We took a more practical approach. We looked at what is on offer today on Balkan Auction, the largest Bulgarian marketplace for coins. For each coin in our catalogue we took the median of current listings as of 19.10.2026. These are asking prices, not sales, but they show the real level at which collectors trade.
The ranking
| # | Coin | Metal | Mintage | Median listing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100 leva 1894 | gold 900 | 2,500 | ≈ €68,000 (1 listing, MS 60) |
| 2 | Virgin Mary – Golden Apple, 100 leva 2024 | gold 999 | 800 | ≈ €13,600 |
| 3 | Virgin Mary – Golden Apple, 100 leva 2025 | gold 999 | 300 | ≈ €13,500 |
| 4 | 100 leva 1912 | gold 900 | 5,000 | ≈ €9,000 |
| 5 | St George the Victorious, 100 leva 2007 | gold 999 | 1,500 | ≈ €7,500 |
| 6 | Mother and Child, 1000 leva 1981 | gold 900 | 2,000 | ≈ €4,600 |
| 7 | Paisiy Hilendarski – two golden levs, 2022 | gold 999 | 4,000 | ≈ €4,500 |
| 8 | 20 leva 1912 | gold 900 | 75,000 | ≈ €4,200 |
| 9 | 20 leva 1894 | gold 900 | 100,000 | ≈ €2,500 |
| 10 | 10 leva 1941 in mint condition | iron | 2,200,000 | €12,000–15,000 for MS 62–63 |
Prices are updated with every new data collection. You will find the current ranges on each coin’s page and in market prices.
Why they cost so much
The 1894 100 leva is the largest gold coin of the Principality of Bulgaria, with a portrait of Prince Ferdinand I. Only 2,500 were struck. Much of the gold was later melted down. Coins in mint condition are extremely few, so offers are rare and prices are huge.
The “Golden Apple” is a modern BNB series with the smallest mintage of all. The 2025 100-leva coin has just 300 pieces. Its issue price is 6,456 leva, and demand far exceeds supply. It is an example of how a modern coin can be more expensive than most historical ones.
The 1912 100 and 20 leva were struck for the 25th anniversary of Ferdinand’s accession to the throne. Be careful: there are also later official restrikes of them, which sell for less. How to tell them apart – in Restrikes and originals.
St George the Victorious (2007) and Mother and Child (1981) are gold coins with a small mintage and a strong theme. “Mother and Child” is part of the large “1300 Years of Bulgaria” programme and is one of the most recognisable Bulgarian coins.
The 1941 10 leva surprises many people. It is a mass-produced iron coin from the war years with a mintage of over 2 million. But iron rusts, and almost all surviving coins are heavily worn. A specimen with no signs of circulation is a real rarity. That is why single examples graded MS 62–63 are offered for €12,000–15,000, while an ordinary worn coin can be found for a few tens of euros. It shows how much condition matters.
What they all have in common
- A small mintage, or very few surviving specimens in good condition.
- Gold – with the exception of the 1941 10 leva.
- A strong story – the first gold coins, anniversaries, religious themes.
- Condition – the highest prices are for certified coins in the top grades.
More about the factors of rarity – in What makes a coin rare. On each coin’s page we also show our estimate of relative rarity from 1 to 10.
A caveat
A single listing at €68,000 does not mean the coin sells for that much. For coins with one or two listings, the price is more the seller’s wish. If you own one of these coins, read How to sell a collection at a fair price before you sell it. Remember that we do not buy or value coins – very soon you will be able to put them up for auction on the Bulgarian Coin Exchange.
